1 and 2 draw problem
Hi,I'm starting playing chromatic harmonica (Super Chromonica 270 Deluxe) and I have problems with 1 and 2 draw if I try to do it without breathing through the nose too. Sound good when I take air through the nose at the same time, but then I have problems to play because immediatly I'm full of air! I have been trying breathing very slow a big mouth cavity etc, but nothing. From the 3 hole I don't have this problem.It is a normal problem when starting? could be a problem with these holes? Some advice to try to get a good sound without using my nose?Other thing is that in the first draw there is a tinkling sound frequently, could be a valve problem? what should I do?Thanks!!Ramón.
Hi Winslow,Thanks for the tip! I'm trying to do it as you suggest and I start to be able from time to time to get a good sound without breathing at the same time through the nose. I don't have any problem to get a "good sound" in diatonic harmonicas, but should be what you say about the sensitivity of the chromatic ones.Best,Ramón.
Hi, Ramón.
Problems with 1 and 2 draw happen on both chromatic and diatonic. Chromatic is even more sensitive because each reed is isolated - when you inhale, all the air goes to the draw reed.
Try playing Draw 1 or 2 with your nose closed. Continue to breathe, and take the harmonica away from your mouth. Can you hear the sound of the air moving? If you can hear it, you still have a problem. When you can hear air moving, it means that you are closing the air passage somewhere, and that will make the reed bend down.
If you hear air moving, figure out where you are narrowing the passage. Is it the back of your tongue? Your throat? Even with a big mouth chamber, you can still narrow the air flow deeper down.
Try yawning to open your throat. But at the same time, notice what your tongue is doing. If you can completely open the air passages you should be able to eliminate response problems.
Let me know how it goes.